I've probably asked myself that so many times that I've lost count. Mostly I'd say to help others, I even noticed that in my "About Me" link on my page, upper left under the avatar. I was updating my birthday settings and forgot that was in there. It was also in there to promote the artwork of others. Sometimes I fail, sometimes I hit the mark on both those goals.

And sometimes I get reminded of something very old and inspiring; perhaps of "simpler" times when I might have been more focused.

Thanks, Serathus for the blast from the past and for the slap in the face to not lose focus.

But that's DA. In life, reality checks are much more brutal and unforgiving. In the past few months an extremely selfish person screwed me over at work which cost me my yearly bonus, still haven't received my raise for this year, and don't expect much of one when I do get it.

If you haven't seen me as active on DA, now you know why. When you're dealing with negativity every day, there's no reason to take the risk of spreading it to someone who isn't deserving of a possible spill over. Unrest fav.me/d2qzilo was dark, and with good reason.

When you post a journal titled "Life is good," prepare to duck. Regardless, life is good and I still believe that because I know the crap that inhabits planet earth will one day be wiped into nothingness. And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And the filthy fallen angel who deems himself like a god will no longer have access to the people who endured til the end.

And today I walk another day. Today I choose to overcome and rise above it all. And maybe, just maybe I'll clean out my message center. Maybe.

Amen, Brother...I completely understand where you are coming from. I was laid-off because of the antics of a power-hungry administrator who decided I was a target.It's been really tough staying positive when you are worrying about how you are going to make bills and trying to find a job in this market.

I'm a firm believer in the law of reciprocity. You reap what you sow, or what comes around goes around. I kept my job but lost my position, and had to move to a different hospital. Oddly enough, one of my previous techs had to go on sick leave so I'm right back where I used to be. Two months of walking on egg shells sucked, but I finally got to a point where I don't care. My reputation is starting to show that I have good work ethics and work hard to get things done. If you consistently do the right thing, it comes back around and pays off. Not always when we want it to, or how we would like it to, but it has a way of working out so that justice is served.

I have always believed that, too. I was raised to always do the best I can at whatever I do, no matter how small the job, and I've always kept that ethic.It's good you at least kept your job!I keep telling myself that things happen for a reason...I'm looking for that other door to open up

For Americans, I think it's a perversion of the "American dream." Personally, I think the American dream is dead. You were supposed to retire and live in a paid off house, have enough money to live happily on, and enjoy the golden years. Instead people are retiring with double mortgages, medical bills beyond belief, and benefits not meeting the bills. Could it be some people see that coming and work hard to get ahead of it? Don't know. I just see greed killing the country I live in and poisoning the businesses that remain here.

I understand completely, my friend. We seem to be either doing things exactly Right, out here, or horribly wrong. I really think "Soon" is coming sooner than many folks think. Of course that may have a lot to do with my age. Keep your lamp full and your wick trimmed. He's coming.

Age is becoming many footsteps walked for me too. The 16th is my birthday and also my 25th high school reunion, so I've seen much in life.

Wouldn't it be something if the trumpets blasted on 21 Dec 2012? That would be quite ironic for people who buy into that Mayan stupidity. I don't think it's going to happen either way, but it would definitely be ironic.

I think there are too many powerful people in the world that have let greed rule their heart. Greed is choking the world as people live in poverty and hunger. Too many people solely focused on the bottom line instead of making the world a better place to live in.

Glad you like the feature, I've been trying to dig up a diversity for the group I'm running. Gets to be a lot at times but it also pays off at times too.